Our Reports

Our insight reports are commissioned from leading industry figures and are intended to open up debate on the business’ keenest issues informing all of the key challenges, and signposting the opportunities for a radically transforming industry.

Some papers and reports in this section are free, where indicated ‘Read’. Others are for purchase only, or can be accessed by becoming a MusicTank member. Sign up for a membership or login to your account to access all the content.

If you’d like to speak to us about funding or writing an industry report please contact us.

2018

Author/s: Dr. Matthew Linfoot, 2018

The British Council commissioned MusicTank/ University of Westminster to provide insight into UK-wide radio, with a particular emphasis on youth-run and youth-curated content and audiences.
The analysis of the research identifies key trends in recent years, and seeks to explain the interconnected networks that operate through various tiers of the radio and audio industry.

2018

Author/s: Dr. Marion Roberts

This MusicTank/ University of Westminster research study provides a snapshot of London’s evening and night-time economies.
It scrutinises the regulatory policies of licensing and planning, investigates crime and anti-social behaviour and drills down into the economic contribution of night-time activities.

2017

Author/s: Kier Wiater Carnihan & Dr. Eamonn Forde, 2017

An ethical ‘how-to’ navigation of the music licensing and brand partnerships and packed with information and links to resources, this book is set to become the defining text containing leading insight into the worlds of music, synchronisation and brands.

2017

Author/s: Sally Anne Gross and Dr. George Musgrave, 2017

Part 2 of MusicTank/ University of Westminster research commissioned by Help Musicians UK, investigating musicians’ mental health… This 40-page report details qualitative analysis and findings from interviews with 26 musicians who were asked how their working conditions impacted on their mental health and general wellbeing.

2015

Author/s: Jon Webster & Fiona McGugan

This paper intends to demonstrate the legal mechanisms that occur behind each consumer 'click' on streaming platforms and how the payment structure to labels, publishers and artists can change with each one.

2015

Author/s: Fiona McGugan

This paper considers the evolution of communication rights that overshadow conventional distribution and reproduction rights as music consumption increasingly shifts away from the ownership model of sales, towards access models of streaming services.

2013

Author/s: Remi Harris

This critically acclaimed, must-read report, MusicTank’s 6th publication puts the topic of funding firmly under the spotlight, providing musicians, entrepreneurs, micro-businesses & SMEs with a hands-on answer to the question ‘how can I get funding for my music project?’

2012

Author/s: Dagfinn Bach

This report reviews current research on the costs of data traffic and highlights some of the energy costs inherent in a range of existing digital music services. These costs are both startling and surprising.

2011

Author/s: Tony Wadsworth with Dr. Eamonn Forde

This report draws from the quarter century Tony has spent on the front lines of the record business – including the most tumultuous decade in its history. It defies much of the accepted wisdom and reveals the latest thinking on the evolution and future of the record company through conversations with some of the sector’s top executives.